Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs Recipe

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Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs are the perfect combination of bold flavors, tender textures, and a glaze so addictive, you’ll find yourself wiping the plate clean.

If you’re anything like me, you probably believe that food isn’t just about eating; it’s about creating moments, sharing joy, and indulging in recipes that light up our taste buds. That’s exactly why this recipe is one I keep coming back to.

How to make Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs are a popular barbecue-style dish featuring pork ribs coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze that becomes glossy and caramelized as the ribs cook.

Ingredients

To recreate Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs, you’ll need the following:

For the Ribs

• 1.5–2 lbs (700–900 g) pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs work well)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Optional Dry Rub: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for extra flavor.

For the Sticky Glaze

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (for a savory base)
• 2–3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for acidity)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (for depth of flavor)
• Juice of ½ lime (for freshness)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs perfectly:

1. Prepping the Ribs

1. Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork ribs.
2. Season the ribs liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using a dry rub, apply it at this stage to infuse the ribs with additional flavor.

2. Cooking the Ribs

1. Sear the ribs: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the ribs for 3–4 minutes on each side, allowing them to brown and develop a crust.
2. Roast the ribs: If you prefer oven-cooked ribs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the seared ribs to a baking dish, cover with foil, and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tender.

3. Making the Sticky Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chili flakes, and five-spice powder.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened, glossy, and sticky.
3. Taste the glaze and adjust for balance—add more honey if it needs sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess, or chili flakes for heat.

4. Combining the Ribs and Sauce

1. Once the ribs are cooked and tender, brush them generously with the sticky glaze, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
2. If using the oven: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and place the ribs back into the oven (uncovered) for 10–15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
3. If you’re grilling: Place the glazed ribs on a hot grill and cook for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce caramelise and pick up a nice smoky flavour.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Once the ribs are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.
3. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple cucumber salad.

Tips for Success

• Go Low and Slow for Tenderness: If you have extra time, consider slow-roasting the ribs for 2–3 hours at 275°F (135°C). This will ensure the meat falls right off the bone.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey or sugar in the glaze to suit your palette.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the ribs before cooking helps lock in the juices and adds a layer of flavor.
• Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have access to a grill, finishing the ribs there will add a smoky depth to the sticky glaze.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro create a brighter, more aromatic dish than prepackaged alternatives.

Ingredients Substitutes

Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs recipe uses a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy ingredients to create a rich, flavorful glaze that coats tender ribs. However, if you don’t have certain ingredients on hand or want alternatives to fit your dietary preferences, there are plenty of substitutes you can use without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.

1. Pork Ribs

Substitute Options:

• Chicken Wings or Thighs: If pork isn’t your protein of choice, chicken wings or boneless thighs are excellent substitutes. They can be glazed just as easily and also develop a sticky, caramelized exterior.
• Beef Ribs: Beef has a richer flavor and works well with sticky glazes. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as beef ribs may take longer to become tender.
• Vegan Alternatives: Use tempeh, tofu, or seitan. These plant-based proteins can be marinated and baked with the sticky glaze for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.

2. Soy Sauce

Substitute Options:

• Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that brings the same umami flavor.
• Coconut Aminos: For a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, coconut aminos work well.
• Worcestershire Sauce: While not identical, Worcestershire sauce has similar salty and savory notes. Reduce the quantity slightly as its flavor is stronger.

3. Honey or Brown Sugar

Substitute Options:

• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with hints of caramel that complements the glaze beautifully.
• Agave Syrup: A vegan option that provides sweetness without affecting the flavor profile too much.
• Date Syrup: A rich, sweet alternative perfect for adding depth to the glaze.
• White Sugar or Demerara Sugar: If you don’t have honey or brown sugar, regular sugar or Demerara sugar works as a straightforward substitute.

4. Rice Vinegar

Substitute Options:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy alternative with a mild sweetness that balances well in the glaze.
• White Wine Vinegar: While slightly less sweet than rice vinegar, this option works and is commonly available.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: If you’re out of vinegar, citrus juice provides tart acidity.

5. Garlic

Substitute Options:

• Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
• Shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor but can be minced and used in place of garlic.
• Onion Powder: Add a touch of onion powder for similar aromatic undertones.

6. Ginger

Substitute Options:

• Ground Ginger: Use approximately ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1-inch piece of fresh ginger called for.
• Galangal: Common in Southeast Asian cooking, galangal has a sharper, citrusy flavor but works as a substitute.
• Ginger Paste: Pre-made ginger paste is a convenient alternative if fresh ginger isn’t available.

Final Thoughts

When serving Gordon Ramsay Sticky Pork Ribs, the key is to balance the rich and sticky flavors of the ribs with light, refreshing sides or hearty accompaniments that won’t overwhelm the dish.

More Pork Recipes:

• Gordon Ramsay Pork Belly Recipe
• Gordon Ramsay Pulled Pork Recipe